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Landing pattern

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What are advantages/ disadvantages of lowering flaps all at once or in increments?

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3 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Apr 29, 2012

    Best to follow the guidance in the POH for the plane you are flying.  One typically does not lower full flaps until assured of landing.
     
    Why the question?  Is your instructor telling you something other than POH procedure?

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  2. Bob Watson on Apr 30, 2012

    I read in Kirshner, IIRC, who suggested setting the plane up for landing configuration right from the start on  downwind. It seemed kinda strange when I read it, but it and it simplifies the rest of the approach. You just have one airspeed to maintain and no more configuration changes to accomodate for the rest of the approach. For a new primary student, I can see how this method could make it easier to get the basics down to begin with.

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  3. Nathan Parker on Apr 30, 2012

    “What are advantages/ disadvantages of lowering flaps all at once or in increments?”
     
    The main drawbacks to an “all at once” deployment are a sudden change in pitch and a sudden deceleration.  While it’s possible to control for these things, it’s a lot harder than when you make configuration changes gradually.  It can be unpleasant for the passengers, too.  Depending on when you choose to make the deployment, it can destabilize the approach and make it less likely that you will be able to maintain the desired flight path and airspeed.
     
    In more sophisticated airplanes, the various flap settings might have different maximum airspeeds, so you don’t have the latitude to dump them all in at once, unless you wait for the very lowest airspeed.

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